One of Western Port's most popular boat ramps has a bright future with draft concept designs for boating upgrades at Tooradin released for public consultation.
Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny joined Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale to release the plans for public consultation, with the Andrews Labor Government providing $2.6 million for upgrades at Tooradin.
The three-lane Tooradin ramp provides access to the northern end of Western Port with most boaters using it to target King George whiting, gummy sharks and snapper. The ramp is subject to Western Port's large tidal range and access is often limited at low tide.
Better Boating Victoria (BBV) has worked with engineers, the Tooradin Foreshore Committee of Management and local boating user groups to develop draft concept plans for upgrades at the ramp.
Plans propose resurfacing and extending the concrete ramp which, combined with dredging, would provide access at a greater range of tides.
A pair of floating pontoons on the outside of the ramp lanes would be replaced with longer structures to provide more space for boats to be tied up, 21 car and trailer parks added to double capacity and the entry point off Foreshore Road widened to improve traffic flow.
Feedback from boaters will be incorporated into final concept designs before construction ready plans are drawn up and construction approvals sought. Boaters can have their say at betterboating.vic.gov.au/consultation.
Tooradin is one of several ramps around Western Port and South Gippsland in line for upgrades as part of Victoria's biggest ever boat ramp construction program, funded by the reinvestment of boaters' registration and licence fees through the Better Boating Fund.
This includes the Labor Government allocating $1.8 million to upgrade the ramp and car park at Lang Lang, $4 million to redevelop facilities at Mahers Landing, $2 million to improve the boat ramp and car park at Inverloch and $800,000 toward stage 2 of construction at Cowes' Anderson Road boat ramp.
As stated by Minister for Outdoor Recreation Sonya Kilkenny
"I encourage all boaters who use the Tooradin ramp to have their say on these plans designed to make it easier to start your day fishing or cruising on beautiful Western Port."
As stated by Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
"With boating upgrades here at Tooradin as well as Lang Lang, Cowes, Inverloch and Mahers Landing our wonderful region will continue to be a boating destination for years to come."
